Meet our Adult Education Staff
Joey Benning, Community Engagement Coach
Joey is a Community Engagement Coach at Franklin Center. Joey attended the University of Saint Thomas, where he majored in Environmental Studies and GIS. His educational career began in a wilderness setting before transitioning into a traditional school. With a devotion for authenticity and growth for all, he is enthused to be a part of the team.
Email: joey.benning@franklinmn.org
Laura Bremseth, College and Career Readiness Instructor
Laura is the College and Career Readiness Instructor at Franklin Center. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Special Education from St. Cloud State University and served in the Peace Corps. With over ten years of teaching and leadership experience prior to joining Franklin Center, Laura is deeply committed to honoring the lived experience of all learners. She values diversity and actively promotes equity, striving to cultivate effective support systems that uplift both students and educators.
Email: laura.bremseth@franklinmn.org
Amy Epperson, Vocational Services Coordinator
Amy is the Vocational Services Coordinator at Franklin Center. Amy is entering her 6th year at Franklin Center, and has worked for our Academy as a Classroom Behavior Therapist, as well as Therapy Services as a Registered Behavior Therapist. Amy earned her Bachelors in Psychology and Human Services from the University of Minnesota-Morris. Prior to working at Franklin Center, Amy was a Registered Behavior Therapist in Brookings, SD, and a Hall Director at South Dakota State University.
Email: amy.epperson@franklinmn.org
Michael Faeth, Adult Education and Employment Services Director
Michael is the Adult Education and Employment Services Director at Franklin Center. Now in his tenth year at Franklin and twentieth year in education, Michael founded the Capstone Program to support neurodiverse young adults in building skills for work, independence, and meaningful community engagement. He oversees the delivery of state-authorized employment support services and led Franklin through its first CARF accreditation, where he also serves as a surveyor. Michael brings a background in education, finance, and research, and is passionate about designing systems that drive independence, accountability, and long-term growth.
Email: mike.faeth@franklinmn.org
Johnny Garrido, Employment Support Specialist
Johnny is an Employment Support Specialist at Franklin Center. Prior to joining Franklin, Johnny oversaw a team of employment specialists for neurodiverse adults, and was recognized within Ramsey County for his attentiveness and creative problem solving. Outside of work, Johnny enjoys spending time outdoors with his dog, cooking, and playing guitar.
Email: johnny.garrido@franklinmn.org
Kristen McLean, Social and Community Engagement Instructor
Kristen is the Social and Community Engagement Instructor at Franklin Center. Her experience in education has been extensive through all grade levels. She has her undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas in Science/Math Elementary Education. Soon after she graduated from St. Mary’s University with a graduate degree in Education. Prior to working at Franklin she taught at private and public educational institutions as a classroom teacher and small group reading specialist. Recently she worked with adults in Transition programs in public schools and job-coached young adults.
Email: kristen.mclean@franklinmn.org
Berette McNaught, Capstone Support Specialist
Berette is the Capstone Support Specialist at Franklin Center. She attended Montana State University, where she got her Bachelors of Science in Psychology. She started her career working in mental health with teenagers and young adults in a wilderness setting. Since then, she has focused her career on working with people from all backgrounds and identities to support them in reaching their full potential. When not at work, you can find Berette at a concert, spending time outside, or playing music around town
Email: berette.mcnaught@franklinmn.org
Jake Miller, Employment Support Specialist
Jake is an Employment Support Specialist at Franklin Center. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota, earned in 2019, and has dedicated his career to supporting individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. Jake brings extensive experience in Applied Behavior Analysis and previously served as a Waivered County Case Manager before joining the Franklin team. Outside of work, he enjoys playing golf, exploring new bike trails, and discovering diverse cuisines. Jake is passionate about animals and shares his home with two beloved cats, Ozzy and Paddington. An avid Minnesota sports enthusiast, he cheers passionately for the Timberwolves and Vikings.
Email: jake.miller@franklinmn.org
Jordan Morrison, Capstone Program Manager
Jordan is the Capstone Program Manager at Franklin Center. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Denver. Prior to joining Capstone, Jordan worked as a Mental Health Practitioner in Minneapolis, MN and has experience serving community members within nonprofit organizations dedicated to affordable housing and anti-hunger. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors.
Email: jordan.morrison@franklinmn.org
Nick Plimpton, Community Engagement Coach
Nick is a Community Engagement Coach at Franklin Center. A native Minnesotan, he graduated from Kenyon College, where he majored in History and minored in Japanese. He then went on to earn a Masters in Medical Sciences from Boston University. Prior to Franklin, Nick worked as a Program Instructor for the Wayzata Public Schools after-school program.
Email: nick.plimpton@franklinmn.org
Lindy Siedenburg, Life Skills and Independent Living Instructor
Lindy is the Life Skills and Independent Living Instructor at Franklin Center. She has her Bachelor of Science from Winona State University and has been teaching for over 20 years. She has experience in Education from Early Childhood up to Young Adults. She has taught, supervised, managed, and sought to help each one of her students to do the best they can do! She lives with her family of 5 in Carver- 3 children, 2 dogs, and her husband. She enjoys crafts, flowers, and making someone’s day!